This Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is the ultimate indulgence, combining the richness of dark chocolate with the deep, malty notes of stout beer. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that melts in your mouth with every bite. The smooth Baileys glaze drapes over the top, adding a creamy sweetness that perfectly balances the bold flavors of the cake. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a treat that feels luxurious, this cake is an absolute must-try.
Perfectly suited for both casual gatherings and festive occasions, this loaf cake is easy to make yet delivers a gourmet experience. The stout enhances the chocolate without overpowering it, while the Baileys glaze provides just the right touch of indulgence. Serve it with a cup of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a splash of extra Baileys for the ultimate dessert moment.
Full Recipe:
For the Cake:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup stout beer
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (28g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Glaze and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream or heavy cream, plus more as needed
- 1 pinch salt
- Shaved dark chocolate (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, stout, oil, vanilla, and instant coffee until smooth.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Whisk until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about an hour before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, Baileys (or cream), and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed by adding more powdered sugar or liquid.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate if desired.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes for the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 373 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings
Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake: A Decadent Dessert with a Twist
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines deep, rich flavors with a touch of indulgence, the Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is the perfect choice. This moist and flavorful cake is infused with stout beer, which enhances the chocolate notes and adds a subtle malty depth. Finished with a luxurious Baileys glaze, this cake is perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this one-bowl recipe is simple to prepare and offers a truly rewarding result.
Why Stout Beer Works So Well in Chocolate Cake
At first, adding beer to a chocolate cake might seem unusual, but stout is an ingredient that pairs beautifully with cocoa. Stout beers, particularly Irish-style stouts like Guinness, have a deep, roasted malt flavor that complements and enhances the bitterness of dark chocolate. The result is a cake that has a rich, complex taste without being overly sweet.
Another benefit of using stout is its ability to add moisture to baked goods. Unlike some other cakes that can dry out after baking, a stout-infused cake retains a soft and tender texture. The carbonation in the beer also helps create a light crumb, making the cake both rich and airy at the same time.
The Magic of Baileys Glaze
No chocolate stout cake would be complete without the finishing touch of a silky, creamy glaze. In this recipe, the glaze is made with Baileys Irish Cream, a beloved Irish liqueur known for its smooth blend of whiskey, cream, and chocolate flavors. The Baileys glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, enhancing the overall taste and making every bite even more delightful.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, the Baileys can be easily substituted with heavy cream or even a coffee-infused glaze to maintain the rich, creamy consistency. The glaze also helps keep the cake moist, soaking slightly into the surface while creating a glossy, picture-perfect finish.
A Cake That Gets Better Over Time
One of the best things about this Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is that it actually improves in flavor as it sits. While it’s delicious fresh out of the oven, letting it rest overnight allows the flavors to deepen. The stout beer and chocolate meld together even more, and the glaze settles beautifully into the cake. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties, holidays, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is a showstopper for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re baking it for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a dinner party, or just a weekend treat, it always impresses. The balance of rich chocolate and subtle stout notes makes it appealing to both chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a more sophisticated dessert.
For a special presentation, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to take the indulgence up another level, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or caramel can elevate the experience even further.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about this cake is its versatility. While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
- Try different stouts – While an Irish stout like Guinness is a classic choice, you can experiment with chocolate stouts, coffee stouts, or even a milk stout for a slightly sweeter variation.
- Add a hint of spice – A pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to the cake.
- Enhance the chocolate – Mix in chocolate chips for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite. Dark chocolate, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips can all work well.
- Make it dairy-free – Substitute the Baileys glaze with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk mixed with powdered sugar.
- Top it creatively – Besides the Baileys glaze, you can top the cake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even crushed nuts for added texture.
A Cake That’s Surprisingly Easy to Make
Despite its impressive flavors and indulgent look, this Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike more complicated cakes that require multiple steps and techniques, this one comes together in a single bowl. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens, making it a great choice for both experienced bakers and beginners.
The one-bowl method also means less cleanup, which is always a bonus when baking. With just a few minutes of prep and a short time in the oven, you’ll have a bakery-worthy cake that’s ready to impress.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Chocolate Stout Cake
This cake is already packed with bold flavors, but pairing it with the right drink or side can make the experience even better. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Coffee or Espresso: The deep roasted notes of coffee complement the rich chocolate and stout flavors in the cake.
- Irish Coffee: If you’re serving this for a special occasion, an Irish coffee with whiskey and cream is an excellent match.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream provides a delicious contrast to the deep, rich cake.
- Whipped Cream with a Dash of Baileys: A light and fluffy topping that enhances the flavors of the cake without overpowering it.
- A Glass of Stout: If you enjoy beer, serving this cake with the same stout used in the batter can bring out its best flavors.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert for Chocolate Lovers
The Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake is a standout dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor with a unique stout twist. The Baileys glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or just because.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fan of boozy desserts, or simply looking for a cake that’s easy to make yet impressive to serve, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a cake that gets better with time, pairs beautifully with coffee or ice cream, and offers endless customization possibilities.
Give this Chocolate Stout Loaf Cake a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Enjoy!